After five days of screenings in the rehearsal room of Resorts World Manila’s award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater, 48 hopefuls where whittled down to 28 who now make up the third batch of scholars for the Original Pilipino Performing Arts (OPPA) Foundation.

The applicants were evaluated by a judging panel that included luminaries in the respective fields they were auditioning for. For theater arts and production design, OPPA president Menchu Lauchengo- Yulo and OPPA vice president Michael Stuart Williams were joined by prominent theater director Jaime del Mundo and known production designer Ed Lacson, Jr.; Manila Philharmonic Orchestra’s Maestro Rodel Colmenar joined in screening students for the De La Salle University – College of St. Benilde AB Music Production program, as well as in instrument with Philippine Opera Company artistic and managing director Karla Gutierrez who also screened students majoring in voice; while Danspace director and Philippine Ballet Theater principal dancer Maritoni Rufino Tordesillas screened students for dance.

In addition to talent, judges were also on the lookout for unique individuals who also possess the heart to make a great difference in the industry when they have finished their education. The 28 students who were chosen to carry the banner of Philippine performing arts are:

OPPA FOUNDATION SCHOLARS FOR 2018

DANCE:

Stella Mee Estriber

Florencio Guzman

Emmerson Evangelio

Eduardson Evangelio

Brixmond Utrera

VOICE:

Anne Mariel Salazar

Benedict Gomez

Kevin Garcia

Neomi Iain Giron

Romer Joseph Adelan

Zscharmaine Princess Barretto

INSTRUMENT:

Christine Laron

David Tiongson

Mark Hipona

Miles Benedict Serrano

Reynaldo Gendrano

MUSIC PRODUCTION:

Jonathan Marco Reantaso

Julian Juanco

Matthew Marasigan

Moon Cairo Peralta

THEATER ARTS:

Alyssa Torres

Anika Licudan

Arvin Lloyd Isidro

Cristel Kaye Mampo

Ma. Jasmine Trisha Nepomuceno

Martha Ann Olanday

Ralph Ranier Deoso

Ryan Gabriel Ayangco

In addition to the scholarship grants and mentorship program of OPPA, the scholars will be given a chance to create strong portfolios upon graduation through paid job opportunities with Resorts World Manila’s Full House Theater Company (FHTC) over five years.

OPPA’s work is made possible through the funding of the Resorts World Philippines Cultural Heritage Foundation, Inc.